The Discovery Center at Ridgefield, in conjunction with the New Pond Farm Observatory, 101 Marchant Rd., West Redding, is hosting an astronomy program that is open to the public on Saturday, April 16th, starting at 8:00 P.M.
The night sky now is reflecting the change of seasons with the Spring Constellations taking center stage. The ancients used to keep track of the seasons by watching the night sky. In seeing Leo the Lion, Virgo the Virgin, and Bootes the Herdsman become dominate in the sky, they knew that the earth was awakening to a new spring. The astronomers will discuss these constellations and view Jupiter which is still prominent in the night sky. A 9-day old Moon will allow us to see some different features of its moonscape. Come join in on our exploration of the springtime in the night sky. The Moon will again be an exciting target for viewing and possibly taking photos with your smartphone.
In addition, a Telescope Clinic will begin at 7:00 P.M. If you have a telescope gathering dust in a closet because you don’t know how to use it, please bring it along and meet our experts in the parking lot at 7 pm for instruction and pointers in using your equipment. The regular astronomy program starts at 8:30 P.M., with an early instructional time at 8:00 P.M.
The program is $4 per person for Discovery Center members, with a maximum of $16 per family. For nonmembers, the charge is $6 per person, with a maximum of $24 per family. Registration is required. Visit the Discovery Center web site to register (http://www.ridgefielddiscovery.org/) or call 203-438-1063. If it looks as if the skies might be cloudy, check the web site after 4:00 PM for program status.